Local Authorities Data Protection and Cyber Security Support

Data Protection Support for Local Authorities

Local authorities operate in one of the most demanding data protection environments in the UK. Councils are required to balance transparency, public accountability, and statutory duties while handling vast volumes of personal and sensitive data relating to residents, employees, and service users.

At Data Protection People, we support local authorities across the UK, including county councils, district councils, unitary authorities, and combined authorities. Our services are designed around the realities of public sector operations, supporting compliance while recognising operational pressure, public scrutiny, and limited resources.

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Why Data Protection Matters in Local Authorities

Local authorities process a wide range of personal and special category data, including social care records, housing data, education information, electoral data, CCTV footage, and employee records.

Our approach is rooted in Data Protection Made Easy, translating complex legal frameworks into clear, practical actions that local authority teams can apply with confidence.

We regularly support local authorities with:

High-volume and complex Subject Access Requests
Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests
Applying exemptions under GDPR, FOIA, and EIR
Managing social care and safeguarding data
CCTV and surveillance compliance
Data sharing between departments and external partners
Data breaches under intense public and regulatory scrutiny
Demonstrating accountability to regulators, auditors, and elected members

Local Authority Services We Provide

SAR Support for Local Authorities

Local authorities often experience sustained high volumes of SARs, many of which are complex or linked to complaints, litigation, or social care matters.

We provide one of the UK’s leading SAR support services, helping councils manage SARs accurately, lawfully, and within statutory deadlines.

Outsourced DPO for Local Authorities

Many local authorities are required to appoint a Data Protection Officer. Our Outsourced DPO service provides experienced, independent DPOs who understand public sector governance, accountability, and regulatory expectations.

Data Protection Support for Local Authority Teams

Designed to support in-house DPOs, information governance teams, and compliance leads, our support service provides access to expert advice for both urgent and non-urgent issues.

Data Protection Audits for Local Authorities

We deliver practical, risk-based audits aligned to public sector requirements, providing clear findings and prioritised recommendations suitable for senior leadership, audit committees, and elected members.

Training for Local Authorities

We deliver local authority–specific training covering GDPR, FOI, EIR, SAR handling, breach response, and board-level responsibilities for senior leaders and elected officials.

‘I found the FOI training session to be highly informative and well-structured. It covered all the key areas comprehensively and provided clear, practical guidance throughout. The content was easy to follow, and the delivery by Gary was engaging, making complex topics accessible and understandable’.

‘The training session has really helped me to understand the IG rep role a bit more and what I need to be thinking about when receiving a request for information’.

Charlene Haynes & Team

Tendring District Council

“I have worked with the Data Protection People for some time now. Their expertise has been drawn upon to assist us with our GDPR compliance gap analysis project, ROPA design and production through to conducting objective reviews and surveys. They are always available to help us out and their advice and guidance is excellent and delivered in a timely way. Special mentions to Kathy Midgley, Phil Brining, and David Hendry. A great, reliable and dependable service!”

Judy Barker

Dyslexia Action

“A great service and peace of mind. Data Protection People provides a well-rounded service to ensure customers are fully supported in their approach to GDPR compliance. My interaction has largely been with the following people: Kathy Midgley – another great asset to the organisation. Always approachable, always helpful and consistently supportive to the team and customers.

Julie Ferguson

Veritau

“I cant recommend Data Protection People enough, they have helped me in so many different areas, no matter how complex the challenge or how large the obstacle, DPP always has the answer.

I can call the team at any time and have built an amazing relationship with them, in times of frustration they are here to calm me down and create a plan, they are a pleasure to work with.”

Mark Leete

Eastlight Community Homes

“We have been working with the Data Protection People for many years now, and have found them to be insightful, helpful, and knowledgeable in all areas of Data Protection Compliance. Data Protection People have taken the time to understand our business, the regulatory environment we sit under, and the unique challenges we face in the industry. They have supported us in all areas of Information and Data Security, assisting in assessments of our policies and changes to our processes. They are always willing to go the extra mile and prioritise support where required.”

Nia Roberts

Woodgate & Clarke

“I’ve worked with Data Protection people for over 3 years, they are an excellent experienced team. Able to simplify GDPR down for all stakeholders yet deliver its complex requirements at the same time.”

Tom Benton

Nestlé

Why Local Authorities Choose Data Protection People

Proven experience supporting local authorities across the UK
Deep understanding of GDPR, FOIA, and EIR in the public sector
One of the UK’s most established SAR support teams
Practical advice shaped around council operations and pressures
Clear, plain-English communication for officers and members
Scalable support during inspections, incidents, and peak demand
A trusted partner for operational teams, senior leaders, and governance bodies

Expert support when you need it most